Our Athletes

Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson is partnering with Salsarita’s in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the local Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs. “Shaq Thompson’s Sacks for Kids” is a pledge campaign based on the season-long on-field performance of the team. Proceeds from the campaign will benefit the local Clubs, which provide academic, recreation, arts, character development and life skills programs for kids largely in at-risk communities.

In Mecklenburg and Union counties, there are eight Clubs serving more than 1,700 members.

“I am very excited to partner with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte to support their sports and mentoring programs,” said Shaq Thompson. “The Boys & Girls Club is a really great organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people through all of its programs, and since sports has been so influential in my life, I’m excited about helping raise much needed funds and awareness for the sport programs that the Clubs offer to its members. I am honored to support them and the great work they do.”

“This campaign is a unique way to support youth in your community, and cheer on the home team at the same time,” said Marty Clary, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte. “The funds raised will help us specifically with the Triple Play Get Fit Challenge, a daily program promoting good health and habits among our members.”

“Shaq Thompson’s Sacks for Kids” is an effort spearheaded by Dreambuilders Foundation, a nonprofit organization connecting professional athletes with worthy causes helping children in our community. Salsarita’s is serving as the title sponsor of the program in Charlotte.

Individuals are encouraged to visit www.pledgeit.org/shaq-thompson to make a pledge to help support The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. Depending on the number of sacks the team gets during each game, and ultimately the season, those pledges are turned into contributions to benefit the Clubs and its sports and fitness programs.

When contributors make a pledge of $15 or more per sack, or a flat donation of at least $450, they will receive a special invitation for two to Shaq Thompson’s Champions Reception, where they will have a chance to meet Shaq and get a special autographed gift and a photo. Complimentary food and drinks will also be provided.

“This pledge campaign is a great way for fans to join me in this support,” Thompson added. “Now, every time we get a sack, it helps the Panthers and we can help kids stay healthy and active at their The Boys & Girls Clubs!”

About The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs was founded locally in 1935 on North Poplar Street. Today, eight clubs serve nearly 2,500 school-aged children, including more than 1,700 members, in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Programs include academics, recreation, the arts, character and leadership, and health and life skills. The clubs are located in diverse neighborhoods from Charlotte Housing Authority sites to the nation’s only club in a homeless shelter. The Boys & Girls Clubs is a division of The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. For more information, visit www.bgccharlotte.org.

Shaq Thompson

Shaq Thompson was the Carolina Panthers’ first-round draft choice in 2015. As a rookie, he contributed to a Panthers defensive unit that ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense and scoring defense and helped the team advance to Super Bowl 50. Thompson was a three-time All-Pac 12 performer at Washington.